Pantomimes
The British pantomime probably dates back to the middle ages, and blends the traditions of the Italian 'Commedia dell' Arte, and the British Music hall to produce the art form that is pantomime. Commedia dell Arte was a 16th century street entertainment that used dance, acrobatics, tumbling and buffoonery.
Pantomimes have evolved to become as big a part of Christmas as Santa Claus and his reindeer. Most pantos have a very familiar story line, which ends with the principal boy and girl living happily ever after. You'll nearly always find goodies, baddies, a principal boy and girl, a dame and animals in British pantomimes. But, each character is open to very different interpretation, depending on the story being told.
Every year in 1066 Country we stage some of the best family pantomimes in the South East at our theatres and arts venues. Hastings' White Rock Theatre shows a traditional fairy-tale story with familiar faces from film and TV. Arts hot spots, the Stables Theatre in Hastings and the De la Warr Pavilion in Bexhill host alternatives to the traditional show with interpretations of long-told tales or dance and modern performance.
2008 Panomimes and Christmas shows
Peter Pan: White Rock Theatre, Hastings – Wednesday 10 December 2008 to 4 January 2009
The Wizard of Oz: Stables Theatre, Hastings– Tuesday 16 December to Sunday 21 December 2008
Circus etc: De la Warr Pavilion, Bexhill – Wednesday 24 December to Tuesday 30 December 2008
Further Information: